Material collection and transfer cart

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a base frame, first and second bins, first and second hydraulic assemblies, and a computer controller. The first hydraulic assembly is configured to selectively raise and lower the first bin relative to the base frame. The second hydraulic assembly is configured to selectively raise and lower the second bin relative to the base frame. The first and second hydraulic assemblies are individually actuable, and their actuation is coordinated by the controller. In another aspect, a method for transferring product using an apparatus includes inputting to a computer controller a first threshold rate of change in weight signals of a weight sensor; relaying a plurality of weight signals from the weight sensor to the controller; calculating a determination by the controller at least in part on whether the threshold rate of change has been exceeded; and automating actuation of a hydraulic assembly based on the determination.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/952,781, filed Dec. 23, 2019, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A harvester, combine, or other agricultural equipment used forharvesting crops pulls agricultural product from the ground in a field.Such equipment generally has a limited capacity for containing suchharvested product. Thus, many harvesters have a means by which totransfer the agricultural product to another container. In some cases,the conveyance is facilitated by conveyor belts, augers, and elevators,for example. In other cases, an entire basket of the harvester is raisedand inverted for dumping into another container. U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,942to a “Cotton Harvester” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,297 to a “TelescopingBasket for a Cotton Harvester” both describe harvesters having hydrauliccylinders to provide a basket dump operation.

A crop collection vehicle may travel alongside the harvester to receiveharvested product therefrom. In some cases, a semi-trailer truck havingan open-top container is used as the product receiving vehicle. However,because such vehicles are typically quite heavy and have ground-bearingtires, their use can create ruts and other undesirable tire marks in thefield. In addition, such vehicles are designed for highway travel (i.e.,pavement). They are typically unstable, difficult to maneuver, and proneto becoming stuck when driven across a farm field.

Increasingly, smaller collection carts are used, which then transfer theharvested products to semi-trailer containers that wait along aperimeter of the field. However, these smaller dump box units, becausethey are separate from the stabilizing counterweight of a harvester,often suffer from instability when a filled container is raised into adumping position to transfer products to a relatively tall transporttruck or trailer. Such instability is addressed in U.S. Pat. No.5,064,248 for a “High Lift Dump Box,” for example.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a base frame, first and secondbins, first and second hydraulic assemblies and a computer controller.The first hydraulic assembly is configured to selectively raise thefirst bin from the base frame and lower the first bin onto the baseframe. The second hydraulic assembly is configured to selectively raisethe second bin from the base frame and lower the second bin onto thebase frame. The first and second hydraulic assemblies are individuallyactuable, and actuation of the first and second hydraulic assemblies iscoordinated by the controller.

In another aspect, a method is described for transferring product usingan apparatus. The method comprises inputting to a computer controller afirst threshold rate of change in weight signals of the left weightsensor; relaying a plurality of left weight signals from the left weightsensor to the controller; calculating a determination by the controllerat least in part on whether the first threshold rate of change has beenexceeded; and automating actuation of the first hydraulic assembly basedon the determination.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form thatare further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary isnot intended to identify key features or essential features of thedisclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe eachdisclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimedsubject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect toone embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, thissummary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope ofthe claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, andrelationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. Thefigures and the description that follow more particularly exemplifyillustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference tothe attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements arereferred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Itis contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like andanalogous structures throughout the several embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a left side and rear perspective view of an exemplary harvestcollection and transfer cart.

FIG. 1B is a left side and front perspective view of the exemplary cart,with an exploded view of hitch coupler and track attachment areasincluding weight sensors.

FIG. 1C is a right side and front perspective view of the exemplarycart, with an exploded view of a track attachment area including aweight sensor.

FIG. 2A is a front end view of the exemplary cart with both containersin a lowered, un-tilted position.

FIG. 2B is a left side view of the exemplary cart with both containersin a lowered, un-tilted position.

FIG. 2C is a right side view of the exemplary cart with both containersin a lowered, un-tilted position.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary cart, with the frontcontainer in a raised, tilted (dumping) configuration.

FIG. 3B is a front end view of the exemplary cart, with the frontcontainer in a raised, tilted (dumping) configuration.

FIG. 3C is a right side view of the exemplary cart, with the frontcontainer in a raised, tilted (dumping) configuration.

FIG. 3D is a rear end view of the exemplary cart, with the frontcontainer in a raised, tilted (dumping) configuration.

FIG. 4A is a front end view of the exemplary cart with both containersin a raised, un-tilted position.

FIG. 4B is a front, left perspective view of the exemplary cart withboth containers in a raised, un-tilted position.

FIG. 5A is a front end view of the exemplary cart with both containersin a raised, tilted position.

FIG. 5B is a front left perspective view of the exemplary cart with bothcontainers in a raised, tilted position.

FIG. 6A is a front end view of the exemplary cart with both containersin a lowered, tilted position.

FIG. 6B is a front left perspective view of the exemplary cart with bothcontainers in a lowered, tilted position.

FIG. 7 is a front left perspective view of the exemplary cart with thefront container lowered, the rear container raised, and both containersun-tilted.

FIG. 8A is a front left perspective view of the exemplary cart with thefront container raised and partially tilted, while the rear container islowered and fully tilted.

FIG. 8B is a front end perspective view of the exemplary cart with thefront container raised and partially tilted, while the rear container islowered and fully tilted.

FIG. 8C is a left side view of the exemplary cart with the frontcontainer raised and partially tilted, while the rear container islowered and fully tilted.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary cart with a secondembodiment of a top wall assembly.

FIG. 9B is a front end view of the cart with the top wall assembly ofFIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a left side view of the cart with the top wall assembly ofFIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cart control system.

While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated,as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents thedisclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. Itshould be understood that numerous other modifications and embodimentscan be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope ofthe principles of this disclosure.

The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features maybe enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, whereterms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left,vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that theyare used only for ease of understanding the description. It iscontemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawing figures show a dual bin commodity cart 10 that is designedto be pulled behind a tractor or other agricultural vehicle attached tothe cart 10 at trailer hitch coupler 12 on tongue 13. In an exemplaryembodiment, cart 10 includes at least two bins 14, which are separatelyactuable into raised, intermediate and lowered positions. In anexemplary embodiment, cart 10 contacts a ground surface with wide tracks16, which may exhibit up to about an 80% ground pressure reductioncompared to typical vehicle tires. This advantageously allows cart 10 totravel across the ground surface with reduced compaction of soil beneaththe tracks 16 and enhanced stability. In an exemplary embodiment, eachbin 14 is individually actuable to raise the bin into an elevateddumping position (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, for example, for one of thebins 14). In some descriptions reference numeral 14 pertains to bothbins; in other descriptions, front bin 14 a and rear bin 14 b aredifferentiated by the lowercase letters “a” and “b.” The same conventionapplies to other elements as well. Moreover, while two bins 14 areillustrated, this description also applies by extension to cartsincluding more than two bins, arranged in line on frame 32 (visible inFIG. 3A, for example).

In an exemplary embodiment, a hydraulic assembly 18 on each side of abin 14 includes hydraulic cylinders, actuators, and frame linkagemembers; a frame structure formed by hydraulic assemblies 18 and baseframe 32 forms a truss system that aids in the ability to maximizecarrying load while minimizing the frame weight. The truss structureincludes triangular base trusses 18 a, which provide a rigid and strongarrangement while minimizing the amount of structure on the cart 10. Thetruss structure offers stability in the frame, allowing both bins 14 tobe elevated simultaneously, without twisting or exerting extra force onbase frame 32. In exemplary embodiments, base frame 32 includes I-beamsfor strength and rigidity. Moreover, because of the dual bin structureof an exemplary cart 10, it is contemplated that enhanced stability ofthe cart may be provided by methods of use in which only a single bin 14is fully elevated at one time. While a hydraulic assembly is illustratedand described, other lifting mechanism for bin 14 can include manydifferent constructions, including a scissors type lift or other type ofelevator.

In an exemplary embodiment, each bin 14 includes floor 34, interior endwall 36, exterior end wall 37, side wall 38 and slanted side wall 40. Asshown in FIG. 2A, for example, such a construction substantiallyconfines the width of cart 10 to a width within the lateral footprintextent of tracks 16. Accordingly, the cart 10 is easy to tow andmaneuver, with high predictability for the operator regarding where thecart is tracking on the ground and its surroundings. Moreover, as shownin FIG. 3B, for example, the inclination of slanted side wall 40 assistsin the emptying of fill matter from bin 14 due to gravity.

An optional top wall assembly 24 may be added to a bin 14. Asillustrated, each bin 14 includes such an attached top wall assembly 24,which includes interior top side wall 22, exterior top side wall 28, andtop back wall 30. In an exemplary embodiment, each of top walls 22, 28,30 is hinged or otherwise moveable at joint 20 between bin 14 and topwall assembly 24. While shown in an erect or upright configuration, thecomponents 22, 28, 30 of top wall assembly could be folded down on bin14 or removed therefrom entirely to allow for a lower overall height ofcart 10 for transport or storage purposes.

In general, the components of hydraulic assembly 14 are larger proximateslanted side wall 40 and narrower proximate vertical side wall 38. Tomaximize an interior capacity of bin 14 while keeping a total length ofcart 10 relatively short, interior end wall 36 is formed by two joinedpanels: lower panel 42, which is substantially vertical, and upper panel44, which is inclined outwardly from the bin interior. The panels 42, 44meet at joint 46, which in an exemplary embodiment extends from a top ofinterior end wall 36 proximate slanted side wall 40 to below a verticalmid-point of interior wall 36 proximate vertical side wall 38. As shownin FIG. 2B, a space 45 between bins 14 a, 14 b for accommodating the twohydraulic assemblies 18 has its maximum width proximate slanted sidewall 40. As shown in FIG. 1A, the upper panels 44 of adjacent bins 14tilt toward each other to substantially meet proximate vertical sidewall 38. This configuration maximizes interior space in bin 14 andserves to funnel material into and out of bin 14. While two panels 42,44 are shown, it is to be understood that interior end wall 36 may alsobe formed from one or more pieces of bent material, rather than twojoined panels. Interior top side walls 22 extend upward from upperpanels 44 and meet at their upper edges 26 to thereby close any gapbetween the adjacent bins 14 a, 14 b. This configuration preservesproduct and also protects the covered hydraulic assemblies 18 fromsoiling. Each of exterior top side walls 28 can be similarly formed ofjoined lower and upper panels 42, 44, though the exterior top side walls28 can be substantially flat, rather than exhibiting an inclined upperpanel 44.

Exterior top side walls 28 and top back wall 30 increase the capacity ofeach bin 14 in the field by containing material that is directed from aharvester positioned to the left of cart 10, as oriented in FIG. 1A. Inan exemplary embodiment, exterior top side walls 28 and top back wall 30are removable and/or foldable from a bin 14 for road transportclearance, such as when traveling from the manufacturing facility to thecustomer. Moreover, the assembly of exterior top side walls 28 and topback wall 30 may be attached to bin 14 on the side opposite from theillustrated side. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, the entire bin14 (and associated hydraulic assembly 18) is removable from base frame32; the bin be can rotated 180 degrees and attached to base frame 32 toface a direction opposite from the illustrated direction. Moreover, theremovability of bins 14 from base frame 32 allows for customization ofcart 10 with bins 14 of different shapes as desired. Additionally, if asingle bin 14 is damaged, it is easily replaceable without taking theentire cart 10 out of service.

In an exemplary embodiment, a top edge 26 of each exterior top side wall28 is sloped between the top back wall 30 and top edge 27 of a bin 14.As shown in FIG. 3B for example, this configuration extends the reach ofthe bin when dumping product, allowing for a greater distance 47 betweenthe dumping cart 10 and the trailer (not shown) it is filling. Thisallows for reduction of product loss during product transfer from bin totrailer, even as higher cart movement and dumping operation speedsdecrease precision in the placement of cart 10 relative to the trailer.Top back wall 30 also serves as an extended pouring lip along its topedge when bin 14 is in a raised, dumping configuration. While anexemplary method loads cart 10 from the “low side” (adjacent verticalside wall 38) and empties cart 10 from the “high side,” (adjacent topback wall 30), it is contemplated that other methods of use for fillingand emptying cart 10 in other configurations can be used.

While particular proportions are illustrated for bin 14, it iscontemplated that bin 14 may have other sizes and shapes. For example, abin may be relatively taller or shorter than illustrated. Moreover, aneffective capacity of bin 14 may be adjusted with selective attachmentof top back wall 30 and/or exterior top side wall 28. In an exemplaryembodiment, each of top back wall 30 and exterior top side wall 28 isadjustably attachable to bin 14 at various locations to raise or lowerthe height of top edge 26 and top back wall 30 with respect to a floor34 of bin 14. Such adjustability may be accomplished by sliding top backwall 30 and/or exterior top side wall 28 and securing to bin 14 at oneof a plurality of discrete locations, such as by bolts, for example.Variations in effective bin size and shape may be made for receiving,containing and transferring different product materials. For example, asmaller bin may be suitable for use with a heavy product, whereas alarger bin may be suitable for a lighter product.

In an exemplary embodiment, each bin 14 optionally includes adistributor bar 48 mounted at its ends to mounting brackets 50 that areattached to exterior end wall 37 and interior end wall 36. In anexemplary embodiment, each mounting bracket 50 is longitudinally alignedparallel to edge 26 of exterior top side wall 28 or interior top sidewall 22. Each distributor bar 48 can be mounted in one of a plurality oflocations along a length of mounting bracket 50. A selection of thelocation of distributor bar 48 within bin 14 is affected by factors suchas the type of material to be received within bin 14, its moisturelevel, the size of the particulate materials, material density, andother factors that may affect clumping of the material. When a bin 14 istilted for dumping, distributor bar 48 assists in breaking up the massof material as it moves past the distributor bar 48, thereby more evenlyallowing for flow of the material from bin 14 into a receivingcontainer. In some cases, distributor bar 48 prevents the fill materialfrom falling out of bin 14 in one large mass, thereby preventing abruptand unexpected changes in the weight and weight distribution of cart 10,thereby enhancing stability of cart 10 in an unloading operation. In anexemplary embodiment, a ballast weight 52 is provided on base frame 32proximate the front and rear ends thereof to counterbalance the shiftingweight of a bin 14 as it is lifted off the frame and tilted away fromthe ballast weights 52.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, which are partially exploded views showingtrack 16 and hitch coupler 12 removed from a remainder of cart 10, thecart 10 includes weight sensors positioned thereon in the form of weighbars. The left weigh bar WL is located on a left side of the axle 54where track 16 attaches to base frame 54. The right weigh bar WR islocated on the right side of the axle 54 where track 16 attaches to baseframe 54. The hitch weigh bar WH is located between the tongue 13 andhitch coupler 12 at the front of cart 10.

As shown in FIG. 1C, climbing rungs 56 can be attached, such as bybolts, to one or more interior surfaces of bin 14. The climbing rungs 56allow an operator to climb into and out of bin 14. FIG. 1C additionallyshows the right frame assembly 58 extending between the hydraulicassemblies 18 of a bin 14. In this description, while terms such as leftand right, front and back, top and bottom, etc. are used for ease ofreference with respect to the embodiment, it is to be understood thatcomponents may be oriented otherwise. In the illustrated embodiment,each of the floor 34, top back wall 30, interior end wall 36, exteriorend wall 37, vertical side wall 38, and slanted side wall 40 is composedof a plurality of sheets of material connected to each other, such as bythe use of known sheet metal connectors and/or welding. For optimalstrength and rigidity of an assembled bin 14, it is preferable, such asshown in FIG. 1B, that seams between panels are not aligned betweencomponents. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, seam 60 of top back wall30 is offset so that it is not contiguous with seam 62 of slanted sidewall 40. In other embodiments, each of the walls may be formed of anintegral, single piece of material.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in an exemplary embodiment, hydraulic assembly 18includes a triangular base truss 18 a consisting of frame members 63, 64and 66, which are connected to each other in a triangular arrangement byconventional connection plates and fasteners. In an exemplaryembodiment, the components of triangular base truss 18 a are rigidlyconnected to each other, with frame member 64 being aligned parallelwith slanted side wall 40 and extending for a height of slanted sidewall 40. The frame member 66 is connected to a top portion of framemember 64 and a left side of frame member 63. In an exemplaryembodiment, hydraulic assembly 18 also includes lift cylinder 68 andtilt cylinder 70. In an exemplary embodiment of cart 10, each of thehydraulic assemblies 18 on either side of each bin 14 are identical toeach other, though attachment mechanisms may be mirror images of eachother, depending on whether the attachment is proximate interior endwall 36 or an exterior end wall 37.

FIG. 2A is a front end elevation view of cart 10 with both bins 14 inthe lowered position of FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is a front end elevation view ofthe cart 10 wherein the front bin 14 a is raised and tilted. For frontbin 14 a, both lift cylinder 68 and tilt cylinder 70 are extended. Forrear bin 14 b, both lift cylinder 68 and tilt cylinder 70 are in theirneutral, retracted configurations. For the raised and tilted bin 14 a,it can be seen that a bottom end of lift cylinder 68 is attached toframe member 63, while a top end of lift cylinder 68 is attached to thetop of a telescoping, extending portion 72 of frame member 64. One endof tilt cylinder 70 is pivotally connected to frame member 64 or anotherframe component near frame member 64, while the opposite end of tiltcylinder 70 is pivotally connected to a plate 74 between upper and lowerend frame members 76. As shown in FIG. 3A, in an exemplary embodiment,at each of interior end wall 36 and exterior end wall 37, the upper endframe member 76 is positioned outside bin 14 at the same location asjoint 46 between lower panel 42 and upper panel 44.

The bins 14 are independently operable. The two hydraulic assemblies 18of each bin 14 are of course operated in unison; however, on a cart 10,each of the bins 14 may be in any position between one extreme of beingfully lowered and un-tilted and the opposite extreme of being fullyraised and fully tilted. Independent actuation of the hydraulicassemblies 18 of the separate bins 14 can be provided by conventionalmeans, including remote control by a human operator positioned in atractor 114 (labeled in FIG. 10) that pulls the cart 10, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3C, track 16 is connected to base frame 32 at axle 54,which is offset from a longitudinal midpoint of base frame 32. Thepositioning of the ground engaging components of cart 10 rearward oflongitudinal midpoint results in provides for more even distribution ofweight between the ground engaging track 16 of cart 10 and the groundengaging wheels or tracks of a towing vehicle (e.g., tractor 114)attached at hitch coupler 12.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show cart 10 with both bins 14 in raised but un-tiltedpositions. Thus, all of the lift cylinders 68 are extended, while all ofthe tilt cylinders 70 remain retracted. FIGS. 5A and 5B show both bins14 of cart 10 lifted and tilted. Thus, all of the lift cylinders 68 areextended. Additionally, all of the tilt cylinders 70 are extended. In anexemplary embodiment of cart 10, each of the lift cylinders 68 and tiltcylinders 70 is a hydraulic cylinder actuated by fluid pressure flowingto the respective cylinder 68, 70 through hydraulic lines 78 from anon-board or tractor-based hydraulic system 110 (labeled in FIG. 10). InFIGS. 6A and 6B, cart 10 is shown in a configuration in which both bins14 are in an un-lifted but tilted position. Thus, in this case, all liftcylinders 68 are retracted and all tilt cylinders 70 are extended.

In comparison of FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, in which the only difference isthe state of lift cylinder 68, it can be seen that in the illustratedembodiments, right frame assembly 58 includes a diagonal frame member 80connecting the two frame members 64 of an individual bin 14; ahorizontal frame member 82 connects lift cylinders 68. Further, as shownin FIG. 6B, linkage 84 is contracted when lift cylinder 68 is retracted.As shown in FIG. 5B, linkage 84 is expanded when lift cylinder 68 isextended.

FIG. 7 shows cart 10 with front bin 14 a lowered and un-tilted, whilerear bin 14 b is raised and un-tilted. FIGS. 8A-8C show a configurationof cart 10 in which front bin 14 a is fully raised and partially tilted,and rear bin 14 b is lowered and fully tilted. Thus, it can be seenthat, subject to a control system 98 to prevent tipping of the cart 10,the pair of lift cylinders 68 and pair tilt cylinders 70 for aparticular bin 14 are independently actuable to any extent between afully retracted configuration and a fully extended configuration. Forexample, FIGS. 8A-8C show, for front bin 14 a, full extension of liftcylinder 68 and partial extension of tilt cylinder 70. In contrast, forrear bin 14 b, lift cylinder 68 is fully retracted and tilt cylinder 70is fully extended.

FIGS. 9A-9C show a cart 10 with a second embodiment of a top wallassembly 24′. Interior top side walls 22 of both bins 14 are the same asthose in the first embodiment of top wall assembly 24. In someapplications, it is desirable to have a taller backstop 86 compared toexterior top side wall 28 on rear bin 14 b. This prevents loss ofproduct from a rear of cart 10 as it is filled, moved through a fieldand/or tilted to transfer product to a trailer. Moreover, in theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9C, rear bin 14 b includes extendedtop back wall 88 rather than top back wall 30, 30′. As seen most clearlyin FIG. 9C, the extended top back wall 88 is longer at a top edge thanbin 14 b, thereby allowing backstop 86 to be attached thereto with arearward inclination. With such an inclination, backstop 86 furtherserves to catch material that is flowing rearward of the cart 10 andfunnel it into the bin 14 b. In the illustrated embodiment, exterior topside wall 28′, top back wall 30′, backstop 86 and extended top back wall88 each may have a two-piece construction with a hinge 90, therebyallowing the top wall components 28′, 30′, 86 and 88 to be folded in twopieces to the outside of bins 14, to drape over the hydraulic assemblies18. In the illustrated embodiment, the various components 28′, 30, 86and 88 of top wall assembly 24′ are shown in various different positionsrelative to their respective bins 14 a, 14 b. In the illustratedexample, such variations and position are accomplished with hinges atjoint 20 between the bin 14 and its respective top wall assemblycomponents and hinges 90. Suitable position locking mechanisms can beused to hold the top wall components 28′, 30′, 86 and 88 in folded orunfolded configurations as desired.

Interior top side walls 22 and backstop 86 (or exterior top side wall28) are provided to direct deposited materials (not shown) into theinteriors of bins 14. Interior top side walls 22 are provided overhydraulic assemblies 18 to protect the hydraulic assemblies from impactfrom falling product and to reduce loss of product material. Fill ordeposited material can include any articles, but most commonly commoditymaterials such as, for example, a harvested crop product like silage,grain, vegetables, fruits, tubers, or other produce, granular orparticulate materials or the like.

In an exemplary method of use, cart 10 is pulled behind a tractor 114and follows alongside a harvester (not shown) to receive harvestedproduct therefrom. While the illustrated embodiments show that the bins14 have top wall 30, 30′, 88 on one side, it is contemplated that theymay have top wall 30, 30′, 88 on the opposite side. In one embodiment,base frame 32 may include a second hitch coupler 12 on an opposite endfrom the illustrated hitch coupler 12 for pulling other implementsbehind cart 10. While use of cart 10 has been described with referenceto agricultural products, it is contemplated that cart 10 can be used tocarry any type of material from one location to another. The openstructure of bins 14 allows cart 10 to accept commodities of many sizesand shapes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dual bins 14 of cart 10 together have acapacity that is substantially similar to that of a typical dry bulkhopper semi-trailer container. Because of the large capacity, littleinterruption in the harvesting operation is required for moving carts 10on and off the field in order to empty harvested product into a waitingsemi-trailer container, typically positioned at an edge of the field. Inan exemplary embodiment, a volumetric capacity of cart 10 is at leastabout 1500 cubic feet, more preferably at least about 1800 cubic feet,and most preferably about 2,000 cubic feet (which is approximately thevolumetric capacity of a dry bulk hopper trailer). Thus, methods oftransferring material from cart 10 to a semi-trailer containeradvantageously fill the semi-trailer container with a single load fromcart 10. Because the cart 10 can fill the semi-trailer container in onetrip, increased productivity is realized.

In an exemplary embodiment, cart 10 uses two tracks 16, though otherground surface engagement elements can be used, such as tires andwheels, for example. Because of the wide track 16, which has a groundsurface contact area of 3 feet by about 12.3 feet, little soilcompaction is experienced by use of cart 10. Approximate dimensions ofcart 10 include an overall length of about 40 feet, a height of about 12feet, and a width of about 12 feet. An exemplary loaded ground pressureis about 15.3 pounds per square inch. When a bin 14 is raised, as shownin FIGS. 4A and 4B, an exemplary vertical travel distance of the bin isabout 5 feet.

While a cart 10 with two bins 14 is illustrated and described, it iscontemplated that such a harvest collection and transfer cart caninclude more bins arranged in any array. Each bin 14 may occupy anyvertical position from fully lowered to fully raised and anyintermediate position between those extremes. Moreover, each bin 14 mayoccupy any tilt position from fully flat (i.e., no tilt) to fully tiltedand any intermediate position between those extremes. For example, aftera raised and tilted front bin 14 a has been emptied into a waitingcontainer, the empty bin 14 a can be lowered partially. This allows anoperator in a towing vehicle such as tractor 114 to have a partial viewof the still full rear bin 14 b in order to visually monitor its raisingand lowering operation while the empty bin 14 a is at least partiallylowered to enhance stability of the overall cart 10.

While the first and second hydraulic assemblies 18 for the first andsecond bins 14 a and 14 b, respectively, are individually actuable,their actuation can be coordinated. For example, exemplary methods allowcontrol of one of the hydraulic assemblies 18 based on the positionstate of the other hydraulic assembly 18. The control method may beelectrical, mechanical, or hydraulic in nature (or a combinationthereof). Such control is configured to maintain stability of cart 10and can also affect stability of the trailer or container receivingmaterial dumped or otherwise transferred from cart 10.

As schematically shown in FIG. 10, in an exemplary embodiment of controlsystem 98 for cart 10, position sensors 92 are incorporated into thelift cylinders 68 and position sensors 94 are incorporated into the tiltcylinders 70. While many types of position sensors may be used, aparticularly suitable type is a Hall Effect linear position transducer.One exemplary position sensor 92, 94 is a linear transducer of the LA/Bseries from Rota Engineering Ltd. of Manchester, United Kingdom. Anotherexemplary mobile hydraulic position sensor is a Temposonics®magnetostrictive position sensor, commercially available from MTSSensors of Cary, N.C.

In an exemplary embodiment, an electronic controller 96 is incorporatedinto the design of cart 10 such that the lift cylinders 68 and the tiltcylinders 70 have positions both monitored and set by the controller 96.Any other sensors 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 (discussed below), forexample, in cart control system 98 can also provide signal input to thecontroller 96. The controller 96 can be any computer processor enableddevice that is able to receive input signals from sensors and weigh barsWL, WR, WH and to deliver output control signals to the lift cylinders68, tilt cylinders 70, and also, if desired, positional control ofcomponents of top wall assembles 24, 24′ for automating their foldingand hinging positional changes. In the case of a self-driven cart 10,the controller 96 can also control the motion of tracks 16.

A wide variety of suitable sensors can be used in control system 98. Afew exemplary sensors for feeding signal information to controller 96include, for example, accelerometer 100 to measure overall cartacceleration and cart angle relative to the ground, as well as bin angleat any degree of lift and/or tilt. Speed sensor 102 can be used todetect ground speed of cart 10 while traversing the ground surface, suchas by being towed by a tractor 114. Global Positioning System (GPS) 104can be used to send signals to controller 96 regarding the position ofcart 10 on earth. Pressure sensor 106 can send signals to controller 96regarding hydraulic cylinder pressure of each of the lift cylinders 68and tilt cylinders 70. Proximity sensor 108 in an exemplary embodimentdetermines a distance between the cart 10 and a truck trailer that isnear the cart and in position to receive material therefrom; such aproximity sensor 108 can also determine fill characteristics inside eachof the bins 14 and relay those signals to the controller 96.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C , each of left weigh bar WL, right weigh barWR, and hitch weigh bar WH determines a weight of the cart 10 actingupon the weigh bars. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable weigh barfor each of WL and WR is available commercially from Avery Weigh-Tronix,a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, headquartered in the UnitedKingdom. A suitable weigh bar is marketed as a 5.5-inch weigh bar withpart number AWT27-500193. For hitch weigh bar WH, a suitable componentis commercially available from Avery Weigh-Tronix as a 3.73-inch weighbar, part number AWT27-500126. Each of the weigh bars WL, WR and WHdetermines a weight of the cart 10 at its respective location and relaysa signal regarding the sensed weight to the controller 96.

The weight of the cart 10 is calculated by determining the weight at theleft axle via WL, right axle via WR and at the hitch via WH. A maximumweight is predetermined by the cart control system 98 based on theproduct density and the truck volume in which capacity, which can beautomatically or manually input into the system 98. With inputs from WL,WR, WH, 92, 94, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and any other sensors,controller 96 controls actuation signals of hydraulic system 110.Hydraulic fluid flow to the lift cylinders 68 and tilt cylinders 70through hydraulic lines 78 can be supplied by either an on-board ortractor-based hydraulic system 110.

A process for filling cart 10 includes, in an exemplary embodiment,pulling cart 10 by attachment to a propelled tractor 114. Cart 10 istypically moved alongside a harvester or other agricultural implementthat supplies fill material to cart 10. Conventional cart unloading andcontainer filling operations are described in the following references,which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 10,028,441 toVan Mill; U.S. Pat. No. 9,529,364 to Foster; International PatentApplication WO 2018/226139 to Cirillo; European Patent EP 3 095 315 toJeninga; U.S. Pat. No. 10,575,453 to Blackwell; and U.S. Pat. No.9,188,986 to Baumann.

There may be variations in the use of cart control system 98 inunloading cart operations. For example, for optimal stability of cart 10on a ground surface, front bin 14 a and rear bin 14 b can be unloadedindependently of each other. For example, once the maximum predeterminedweight of cart 10 has been reached, filling of the cart by theharvesting machine (not shown) is complete. The cart 10 is moved to theend of the field to begin an unloading process proximate a receivingtrailer or similar container. To decrease the amount of time needed forunloading cart 10, some preliminary steps can be taken while cart 10 isstill traversing the field. For example, as cart 10 nears the receivingcontainer, while the cart is traversing the field, lift cylinders 68 canbe actuated on one or both bins 14, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B to liftthe bins 14 off and above the base frame 32. Upon arrival of the cart 10next to the receiving container, and most commonly when the cart 10 inno longer in motion, a position of the cart next to the receivingcontainer is determined by an operator of the towing tractor 114 or byautomatic means. To accomplish automatic positioning of the cart next tothe receiving container, sensors such as camera-based mapping systems orsimilar can be used to determine an optimal location of the cart 10relative to a receiving container.

The tilt cylinder 70 of one of the bins 14 can be actuated to tilt therespective bin and empty product from that bin 14 through gravityprimarily. However, it is contemplated that the construction of bin 14can incorporate features such as a live wall into slanted side wall 40to facilitate emptying of the bin. Suitable live wall mechanisms aredisclosed in the following U.S. Patents, which are hereby incorporatedby reference: U.S. Pat. No. 10,682,940 to Karg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,947to Hornung; U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,160 to Hubbard; and U.S. Pat. No.4,494,904 to Hill.

During a bin emptying process, the weight of the machine at each ofweigh bars WL, WR, and WH is monitored. If WL drops below a minimumpredetermined or calculated safety threshold, tilt function viaactuation of tilt cylinder 70 is stopped, moderated and/or reversed.Lift cylinders 68 can also be retracted. The right weigh bar reading atWR is monitored to ensure that a maximum loaded safety threshold is notbreached. The rate of extension of tilt cylinder 70 is determined bycalculating weight reading changes in WL versus WR. A predeterminedthreshold weight rate of change (WRC) from the WL to the WR controls theproduct unloading speed and is predetermined based on product typesbeing transferred, as well as capabilities of the receiving container tobe loaded at a given maximum rate. Sensors can also be incorporated intothe receiving container to communicate with the cart controller 96 inorder to ensure that product does not overfill the receiving container.Generally, it is desirable to empty cart 10 as quickly as possible whilepreventing its overturn and product damage or spillage.

A method for transferring product using cart 10 includes inputting to acomputer controller a first threshold rate of change in weight signalsof a weight sensor; relaying a plurality of weight signals from theweight sensor to the controller; calculating a determination by thecontroller at least in part on whether the threshold rate of change hasbeen exceeded; and automating actuation of a hydraulic assembly based onthe determination. If the determination is that the threshold rate ofchange has not been exceeded, then lift cylinders 68 and tilt cylinders70 can be extended at rates up to those pre-determined or manually inputas suitable for the applicable fill material and other conditions. If,however, the determination is that the threshold rate of change has beenmet or exceeded, then lift cylinders 68 and/or tilt cylinders 70 will beautomatically stopped, moderated and/or retracted to address potentiallyadverse effects of product damage, spillage, uneven container filling,or cart tipping, for example.

In one exemplary embodiment of an unloading scenario, once the firstraised bin has been tilted and emptied, both the tilt cylinders 70 andthe lift cylinders 68 for that bin 14 are retracted to lower andstraighten the bin and return it to the base frame 32 for optimal cartstability. Then the tilt cylinders 70 are actuated for the remainingfull bin 14, which is emptied with similar monitoring to that, describedabove for the first emptied bin. After both bins have been emptied andall cylinders retracted, cart 10 returns to the field to receiveadditional fill material from a source, such as an agriculturalharvester.

In a second unloading scenario, which may he completed even more quicklythan the first unloading method described above, both bins 14 of a cart10 may be unloaded simultaneously. Such simultaneous dual unloading maybe permissible without cart overturning due to field conditions, fillproduct properties, or other attributes. In this case, many steps aresimilar to the process described above including, for example, fillingthe cart, moving it to a receiving container, pre-raising the bins whilein motion, and locating the cart relative to the receiving container.

The tilt cylinders 70 of both bins 14 can be actuated to tilt the binsand empty product through gravity primarily. During a bin emptyingprocess, the weight of the machine at each of weigh bars WL, WR, and WHis monitored. If WL drops below a minimum predetermined or calculatedsafety threshold, tilt function via actuation of tilt cylinder 70 isstopped, moderated and/or reversed. Lift cylinders 68 can also beretracted. The right weigh bar reading at WR is monitored to ensure thata maximum loaded safety threshold is not breached. The rate of extensionof tilt cylinder 70 is determined by calculating weight reading changesin WL versus WR. A predetermined threshold weight rate of change (WRC)from the WL to the WR controls the product unloading speed and ispredetermined based on product types being transferred, as well ascapabilities of the receiving container to be loaded at a given maximumrate. Sensors can also be incorporated into the receiving container tocommunicate with the cart controller 96 in order to ensure that productdoes not overfill the receiving container. Generally, it is desirable toempty cart 10 as quickly as possible while preventing its overturn andproduct damage or spillage.

Once both bins have been tilted and emptied, both the tilt cylinders 70and the lift cylinders 68 for the bin 14 are retracted to lower andstraighten the bins and return them to the base frame 32 for optimalcart stability. Then cart 10 returns to the field to receive additionalfill material from a source, such as an agricultural harvester.

Controller 96 is programmed to use predetermined weight and thresholdinformation, with signal input from the various sensors WL, WR, WH, 92,94, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and any other sensors, to automaticallyraise the bins and empty them in as quick a manner as possible whilecontrolling to prevent cart tipping, ensure even trailer filling, andcontrol dump speed and height to prevent product damage and spillage,for example. The controller considers weight at WL and WR, as well asrates of weight change at WL and WR, to correct when differences betweenleft and right may cause tipping. The controller sends commands to liftand lower the bins, as well as change the angle of each bin'sinclination. Positional sensors to locate the semi-trailer can also beused to automate movement of the cart relative to the semi-trailer inorder to evenly load the semi-trailer. In some embodiments of unloadingcart 10, because at least the extension and retraction of lift cylinders68 and tilt cylinders 70 is automated by controller 96, the unloadingoperation is optimized for speed, efficiency and product quality despitelack of dumping experience by a driver of tractor 114. In someembodiments, controller 96 uses preprogrammed logic and thresholds, aswell as manual input regarding the fill material, and takes into accountcontemporaneous inputs from weigh bar and sensor input signals.

Although the subject of this disclosure has been described withreference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art willrecognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosedwith respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in anotherembodiment, and vice-versa. All references mentioned in this disclosureare hereby incorporated by reference.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a base frame; afirst bin; a first hydraulic assembly configured to selectively raisethe first bin from the base frame and lower the first bin onto the baseframe; a second bin; a second hydraulic assembly configured toselectively raise the second bin from the base frame and lower thesecond bin onto the base frame; and a computer controller; wherein thefirst and second hydraulic assemblies are individually actuable; andwherein actuation of the first and second hydraulic assemblies iscoordinated by the controller.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein eachof the first and second hydraulic assemblies comprises a pair of liftcylinders and a pair of tilt cylinders.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2comprising a position sensor on at least one of the lift cylinders orone of the tilt cylinders, wherein each position sensor is in signalcommunication with the controller.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1comprising an axle attached to the base frame; and a weight sensor ateach of a left axle location and a right axle location, wherein eachweight sensor is in signal communication with the controller.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 comprising a top back wall disposed at a first topedge of at least one of the first and second bins, wherein a position ofthe top back wall is adjustable with respect to the respective bin. 6.The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a top side wall disposed at a secondtop edge of at least one of the first and second bins, wherein aposition of the top side wall is adjustable with respect to therespective bin.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the top side wall isadjustable with respect to the respective bin at a first hinge, the topside wall comprising a second hinge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1comprising a first interior top side wall positioned at a top edge ofthe first bin, wherein the first interior top side wall covers at leasta portion of the first hydraulic assembly.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8comprising a second interior top side wall positioned at a top edge ofthe second bin, wherein the second interior top side wall covers atleast a portion of the second hydraulic assembly.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the first interior top side wall and the second interiortop side wall substantially meet at their respective top edges.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1 including a backstop positioned at a top edge of atleast one of the first and second bins.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1including a ground-engaging track connected to the base frame at alocation offset from a longitudinal midpoint of the base frame.
 13. Amethod for transferring product using an apparatus, the apparatusincluding: a base frame; an axle attached to the base frame; a firstbin; a first hydraulic assembly configured to selectively raise thefirst bin from the base frame and lower the first bin onto the baseframe; a second bin; and a second hydraulic assembly configured toselectively raise the second bin from the base frame and lower thesecond bin onto the base frame; wherein the first and second hydraulicassemblies are individually actuable; a left weight sensor at a leftaxle location; a right weight sensor at a right axle location; whereineach of the left and right weight sensors is in signal communicationwith a computer controller; the method comprising: establishing in thecontroller a first threshold rate of change in weight signals of theleft weight sensor; relaying a plurality of left weight signals from theleft weight sensor to the controller; calculating a determination by thecontroller at least in part on whether the first threshold rate ofchange has been exceeded; and actuating the first hydraulic assemblywith the controller based on the determination.
 14. The method of claim13 wherein the determination includes information that the firstthreshold rate of change has not been exceeded, wherein actuation of thefirst hydraulic assembly comprises extending a lift cylinder.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein the determination includes information thatthe first threshold rate of change has been exceeded, the method furthercomprising retracting the lift cylinder.
 16. The method of claim 13wherein the determination includes information that the first thresholdrate of change has been not exceeded, wherein actuation of the firsthydraulic assembly comprises extending a tilt cylinder.
 17. The methodof claim 16 wherein the determination includes information that thefirst threshold rate of change has been exceeded, the method furthercomprising retracting the tilt cylinder.
 18. The method of claim 13comprising: inputting to the computer controller a second threshold rateof change in weight signals from the right weight sensor; relaying aplurality of right weight signals from the right weight sensor to thecontroller; and calculating the determination by the controller at leastin part on whether the second threshold rate of change has beenexceeded.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the determination includesinformation that the second threshold rate of change has not beenexceeded, wherein actuation of the first hydraulic assembly comprisesextending a tilt cylinder.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein thedetermination includes information that the second threshold rate ofchange has been exceeded, the method further comprising retracting thetilt cylinder.